Guernsey is a British Crown Dependency. Entry requirements mirror the UK; check UK visa rules for your nationality.

What currency is used?

Guernsey pound (GGP), which is on par with the British pound (GBP). GBP is widely accepted, but GGP notes cannot be spent in the UK.

Do they speak English?

English is the official language. You may hear a little Guernésiais (local Norman French patois) from older residents.

Is the tap water safe?

Yes, tap water is perfectly safe to drink everywhere on the island.

Which side of the road do they drive on?

Left, as in the UK. Most roads in Forest are narrow with hedges—drive carefully.

Are there ATMs in Forest?

No ATMs in the parish, but you’ll find them in St. Peter Port (3 miles away). Cards are widely accepted.

Can I use my UK mobile phone?

Yes, but check with your provider. Many include Guernsey in roaming packages; others charge international rates.

Service charge is often included; if not, 10% is appreciated in restaurants. Tipping for taxis or guides is discretionary.

Are there shops in Forest?

Only a small post office/store; for supermarkets and more shops, head to St. Peter Port or the airport retail area.

Can I walk the whole coast from Forest?

Absolutely, the cliff paths are part of Guernsey’s stunning coastal trail network. Allow a full day for the southern section.

Yes, English is the official language. Guernésiais (local dialect) is also spoken by some.

Can I use my mobile phone?

Yes, coverage is good in The Forest. Roaming charges may apply; check with your provider. Local SIMs are available.

ATMs are available in St. Peter Port and some larger villages. Carry cash for rural shops and farm stands.

What plug type is used?

Type G (three rectangular prongs), same as UK. Voltage 230V, frequency 50Hz. Bring an adapter if needed.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes, tap water is safe and of high quality.

Pets from the UK and EU can enter under the Pet Travel Scheme with a microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate. Check current rules.

What is the time zone?

Europe/Guernsey (GMT/BST, same as UK).

Are there guided tours?

Yes, local tour operators offer guided walks and bus tours of the island, including The Forest area.

Forest

Bailiwick of Guernsey, Europe

Forest is a STATE in Bailiwick of Guernsey, Europe.

Nestled in the south of Guernsey, the parish of Forest is a tranquil haven of lush green lanes, dramatic cliff paths, and hidden historical gems. This rural retreat offers a perfect escape for walkers and nature lovers, with the stunning south coast cliffs providing breathtaking views across the English Channel. The area is crisscrossed with quiet, flower-lined narrow roads and footpaths that lead to secluded coves and the iconic Petit Bot Bay. History enthusiasts will be captivated by the German Underground Hospital, a sprawling network of tunnels hewn from solid rock during World War II, now a poignant museum. Above ground, the parish church of St. Margaret’s dates back to the 13th century, adding to the timeless charm. Local farm stalls sell fresh Guernsey produce, and the pace of life is deliciously slow. Whether you’re exploring the wooded valleys by bicycle or enjoying a cream tea with views of the sea, Forest epitomises the simple, unspoiled beauty of the Channel Islands. Accommodations range from cozy guesthouses to self-catering cottages, making it an ideal base for discovering the entire island, yet you’ll often feel you have this peaceful corner all to yourself.

Best time to visit Forest

The best time to visit Forest is from May to September when the weather is mild and days are longest. July and August offer the warmest temperatures (18-22°C), ideal for cliff walks and swimming, but these months also bring more visitors and higher accommodation prices. Spring (April-May) sees the island burst into bloom with wildflowers and is quieter, with pleasant walking conditions. September remains lovely with warm seas and fewer crowds. Autumn provides dramatic seascapes and harvest events, though rain increases. Winters are cool, windy, and many smaller attractions close, but the rugged coastal scenery is still dramatic, and you'll often have paths to yourself. Pack a waterproof layer year-round.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cool 10-14°C, more rain, blustery winds

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Autumn colours, dramatic skies; bring waterproofs.

Know before you go

Getting there

GCI

Guernsey Airport

International

1 km away

JER

Jersey Airport

International

40 km away

SOU

Southampton Airport

International

160 km away

BOH

Bournemouth Airport

International

170 km away

Getting around

"Guernsey’s excellent public bus network connects Forest to St. Peter Port and other parishes frequently; a single journey costs £1.25 and a day pass is £3.50. The airport is within the parish, so you can start exploring immediately. Walking and cycling are the best ways to soak up Forest’s scenery—rent bikes in St. Peter Port or use the island’s rental scheme. Car hire is available but unnecessary unless you have mobility issues; parking can be tight on narrow lanes. Taxis are reliable but pricier. Many visitors simply rely on the bus and their feet. Download the bus app for real-time tracking."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in accommodation and cafés, patchy on remote cliff paths

Local SIM

Local Sure or JT SIM cards available at airport and St. Peter Port from £5

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Extremely low crime; main risks are natural (cliffs, tides). Scams are virtually unheard of.

Night safety

9/10

Extremely low crime; main risks are natural (cliffs, tides). Scams are virtually unheard of.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

9/10

"Forest is extremely safe, with very low crime rates. Violent crime is almost non-existent, and the biggest risk for travellers is injury from cliff path slips or road accidents on narrow lanes. Always stick to designated coastal paths and wear sturdy shoes; cliff edges can be unstable. Driving is on the left, and many roads are single-track with passing places—take care when walking or cycling. Theft is rare, but lock bikes and don’t leave valuables visible in cars. In summer, protect against sun and dehydration. Fog can roll in quickly on the cliffs; carry a map or GPS. Overall, it's a secure destination for solo and family travel."

Police

999

Ambulance

112

Fire & Rescue

999

Coastguard

999

Entry and health

Health information

"Guernsey has a high-quality healthcare system, but it is not part of the UK NHS. Visitors from the UK are covered for emergency treatment under a reciprocal health agreement; bring your passport and NHS number. All other travellers must have comprehensive travel insurance as treatment can be expensive. There is no A&E at Forest; the main hospital is the Princess Elizabeth Hospital in St. Martin’s, about a 10-minute drive. Pharmacies are available in St. Peter Port. Tap water is safe to drink. No specific vaccinations are required, but ensure routine jabs are up to date. Tick-borne Lyme disease is a very low risk in grassy and wooded areas; use repellent and check skin after walks."

Culture

Local customs

"Islanders are friendly but value privacy and politeness. Greet with a simple ‘hello’ or ‘good morning’ when passing on lanes. Dress is casual; even in restaurants, smart-casual is acceptable except at top hotels. Remove hats indoors. Tipping is not expected but appreciated—10% in restaurants if service not included. Respect the environment: stick to paths, close gates, and take litter home. Guernsey has a slower pace, so adopt a relaxed attitude. Noise complaints are rare, but keep music and conversations low in residential areas. Local produce is a source of pride; sampling Guernsey gâche or butter is appreciated."

EnglishGuernésiais

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$13 | a cheap local meal costs around $13

Hotels

$80-130 | budget hotels range $80-130/night

Local transport

$1.50 | local bus ride ~$1.50

Cost notes

Prices are approximate in USD; Guernsey generally costs more than mainland UK. A car is hardly needed, saving money.

Timezone

Europe/Guernsey
Local time 20:07

More facts

Population

2,000

ISO code

GG-6417223

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: La Forêt, La Fouarêt

Capital CityMajor HubNatureHikingRuralFamily-FriendlyHistoric Sites